Looking for a book on camera operations at DVinfo.net

Bill Slammon · June 9th, 2006, 02:49 PM

Hi all,

I am a newbie, and just picked up an A1. Now, I need to learn how to use all those wonderful little manual controls. I understand a lot, but want to know more. Can anyone, and I suspect many of you can from reading other posts, suggest a good book or web site specifically on camera operation (i.e. white balance, exposure, sharpness, zebra, etc....). And, not necessarily for the A1. Basically, a book or resource on the basics. I'm sure this has been asked before, so thank you for your endulgence, and thank you for your help. I am loving this community.

Bill

Steve House · June 10th, 2006, 10:52 AM

For general video techniques try "Real World Digital Video" by Shaner & Jones. For camera techniques a classic is "The Five C's of Cinematography" by Mascelli. I also found "Grammar of the Shot" by Roy Thompson and "Grammar of the Film Language" by Arijon to be valuable sources. For the specifics of your camera's controls, nothing beats the manual and ask questions in the forum for your camera here.

Bill Slammon · June 10th, 2006, 11:36 AM

Thank you Steve.

Actually, I think many things may beat the manual. While it provides the how-tos like turning functions on and off and how to adjust them, it does not define what they are or what they do. I mostly understand exposure and white balance, things like that, but, for example, I don't know what gamma is, and there are a few other functions that I just don't know what they do or what they are for. With these the manual doesn't help. There is an assumption that you already no what the function is for. Also, the manual is criptic; a typical, poorly written manual. This is why I am looking for a resource to learn about the basics of camera operations and functions.

I have already learned some tricks about adjusting white balance with this camera, and what a difference. So, it's an exciting learning curve for me.

So, thank you for the book references. I will be asking more questions in the form as they arise. I appreciate your response.

June 9th, 2006, 02:49 PM	#1
Bill Slammon New Boot Join Date: May 2006 Location: Westmoreland, New Hampshire Posts: 20	Looking for a book on camera operations Hi all, I am a newbie, and just picked up an A1. Now, I need to learn how to use all those wonderful little manual controls. I understand a lot, but want to know more. Can anyone, and I suspect many of you can from reading other posts, suggest a good book or web site specifically on camera operation (i.e. white balance, exposure, sharpness, zebra, etc....). And, not necessarily for the A1. Basically, a book or resource on the basics. I'm sure this has been asked before, so thank you for your endulgence, and thank you for your help. I am loving this community. Bill Last edited by Bill Slammon; June 9th, 2006 at 09:57 PM.

June 10th, 2006, 10:52 AM	#2
Steve House Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Posts: 5,742	For general video techniques try "Real World Digital Video" by Shaner & Jones. For camera techniques a classic is "The Five C's of Cinematography" by Mascelli. I also found "Grammar of the Shot" by Roy Thompson and "Grammar of the Film Language" by Arijon to be valuable sources. For the specifics of your camera's controls, nothing beats the manual and ask questions in the forum for your camera here. __________________ Good news, Cousins! This week's chocolate ration is 15 grams!

June 10th, 2006, 11:36 AM	#3
Bill Slammon New Boot Join Date: May 2006 Location: Westmoreland, New Hampshire Posts: 20	Thank you Steve. Actually, I think many things may beat the manual. While it provides the how-tos like turning functions on and off and how to adjust them, it does not define what they are or what they do. I mostly understand exposure and white balance, things like that, but, for example, I don't know what gamma is, and there are a few other functions that I just don't know what they do or what they are for. With these the manual doesn't help. There is an assumption that you already no what the function is for. Also, the manual is criptic; a typical, poorly written manual. This is why I am looking for a resource to learn about the basics of camera operations and functions. I have already learned some tricks about adjusting white balance with this camera, and what a difference. So, it's an exciting learning curve for me. So, thank you for the book references. I will be asking more questions in the form as they arise. I appreciate your response.